Subaru XT Turbo Forester

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Comments

  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    wife hit the bottomless pothole this weekend which caused a leak in the sidewall of the front right tire. she was going 65mph on a totally flat tire and only 'noticed a slight pull to it'. she was gonna have me put air in the tire when she got back home but someone pointed to her tire on the interstate and realized after pulling off how bad it was.

    the geolander was being driven at 65mph, totally flat and showed NO adverse tire ware. incredible. and it handled well even totally flat.

    long live the geolanders....
  • pon1pon1 Member Posts: 196
    Maybe this is old news but the 2.0 UK version of the XT won an award for towing. So the 2.5 should handle a tent trailer OK??

    http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/News/Current+Club+News/24+Sept+2003+- TCOY+2004.htm
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Tent trailers I've used, with collapsible canvas sides & top, weighed under 1,000 pounds. That would be a breeze for an XT. The more elaborate hard-shell ones probably weigh twice that much, and would approach the XT's upper limit.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    USDM Subies are only rated to tow 1000 pounds if the trailer does not have trailer brakes. It's stated right in your owner's manual.

    Bob
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    I created "Hal 2004", I should know! Johnny, it is quite possible the Transmission problems you have described sound similar to previous posts. I have an appointment with my Service Department tomorrow to discuss this. Always be prepared to follow SOA's advice when opening a Case #, as they also plan on following up with my report about a possible Defect in the A/T.
  • johnnyxtjohnnyxt Member Posts: 15
    Well, the Subaru service department acknowledges the problem. That is half the battle. If I had bought a Nissan or an Infiniti, they would have tried to put the blame on me. Never by a Nissan or Infiniti. They don’t honor their warranties. Anyway, the service department is stumped right now. They have never seen this problem. They believe it’s a computer problem (computer is telling the transmission to downshift too hard). Service Department has a call/case into Subaru Tech to see what they recommend. In other words, we acknowledge the problem but don’t have a clue how to fix it. Not good. Forester is still in the shop. I’ll keep everybody posted.

    Oh by the way, what does HAL stand for?
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    "HAL" was the self-aware computer in the Stanley Kubrick directed classic "2001: a Space Odyssey"

    -Frank P.
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    When HAL was brought to life for the first time by Arthur C. Clarke in a ceremony marking the year of his birth in the book his first comment was to tell his audience that he had "deleted Windows" from his system.

    Clarke know someone at Apple?

    TWRX

    (Who has never had Windows on his HAL 9000 or iBook for that matter)
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Oh by the way, what does HAL stand for?

    HAL is just IBM if you replace each letter with the one preceding it in the alphabet.

    tidester, host
  • allhorizonallhorizon Member Posts: 483
    I d i d n o t k n o w t h a t.

    But then, it was IBM who went way dark side by allowing Bill to market his yet-to-be, to-be-bought-elsewhere OS on their hardware.

    Then there was Unix/ Linux, and now Apple is, too.

    Arthur was then/ still is cool, so is the XT (time to stay on context).

    - D.

    PS 2020 - and counting up; designating the number of times I have seen this movie
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    The HAL - IBM dispute
    IBM contributed advice about computers of the future, but insisted that their logo's be removed from the on-board computer once they realized that it was to become an errant device. IBM were even less pleased when it was realised that HAL, the name of the computer, was IBM's name with all the letters displaced by one character. The producers maintain that this was coincidence, but the conspiracy theorists maintain that it was Kubrick and Clarke having a swipe at the computer monolith.

    The HAL 9000 did not in fact fail but was only acting under programming to ensure that above all else the mission was to carry on to Jupiter at all costs. HAL was given details of the true purpose of the mission, which was withheld from the crew, but was also programmed never to lie to humans, and to administer psychological tests to determine if the crew were in danger of jeopardizing the mission. In his book "2001 - filming the future", Piers Bizony asserts that in the original script there is a dialogue between HAL and Bowman that makes this dilemma and the subsequent actions clear, however this was cut from the final edition of the script.
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    When your transmission slips do you mean it falls out of gear? Pay attention to whether it happens when you're idling. You said it's when you're slowing down so I assume your foot is off the gas.

    My transmission had the same problem while in traffic but not applying the accelerator. I was hoping it truly was a fluke. Now I'm concerned it's a systemic problem with the XT and we're on a relative timeframe before it happens to us (and possibly me a second time).

    Bummer.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Well I slipped a little on this last tank (must have something to do with all those cars rapidly shrinking in my rearview mirror) ;-)

    Anyway, I got 23.9 mpg with again, mostly hwy driving. For those "rolling their eyes" in skepticism, I wonder if it would help if I also reported my mileage? I only went 346 miles on this last tank but the one before I milked all the way to 359 on the trip odo (and even then I had a gallon and a half to spare).

    -Frank P.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    Stu, I thought you were sworn to silence when it came to your A/T XT issues? We need more info from you, it does seem the few reported problems are very similar. Today I had my Dealer look at my Transmission. >"Customer States Transmission Disengages On Acceleration, As If Transmission Slips Out OF Gear"<
    It's only happened a few times, and probably more of a Computer generated Issue. I thought the Diagnostic Computer the Tech uses can tell how many times the Engine has redlined etc.. (it's History) and would be upset if accused of abusing the Engine when it can hit near the 8K Range with this reported problem. It all happens so quickly , everything happens so quickly in the XT. The good news I learned today, the XT's computer can't turn you for enjoying it!
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    I'm not silenced...(unless you count the five posts I had deleted off the SoA boards last week)...but out of consideration for SoA and Patti's position on these boards I didn't want to yell fire in a crowded theater.

    Your problem is the same problem I had.....the transmission would disengage from the engine which could (and did once in my case) cause a redline / rev limiter situation. Without the feedback of acceleration it's pretty easy to end up pushing the tach way up very quickly.

    It's a dangerous flaw, one that I wasn't willing to live with. At first they thought it was the ECU, then a solenoid valve, then finally after a week with their mechanic putting 200 miles on teh car they admitted it was time for a whole new transmission.

    If you're dealer is having a hard time repeating the problem have them get the car up to cruising speed then take their foot off the gas for a few seconds and then try to accelerate. That was what I told them to try and they successfully replicated the problem at the dealer.

    I worked with SoA to get a replacement XT instead. I wish you much luck....for me a replacement transmission on a new car did not sit well with my conscience considering the price I had just paid.
  • johnnyxtjohnnyxt Member Posts: 15
    Well my Forester is still in the shop. The technician supposedly talk to Subaru Tech today. Subaru Tech believes it&#146;s a computer problem. I don&#146;t think the service guy buys it. We&#146;ll see. At this point I don't want a replacement. I'll take my money and run.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    I was gone last Week Stu, had no idea you were deleting your posts here at Edmunds, makes me wonder ? I can't replicate the Transmission problem myself as it has only happened a few other times, but that is a few too many. I read some previous posts like an Engine surge with no movement, and unlike you Stu, I have experienced this at low speeds occurring during a full throttle starts or aborted aggressive short bursts, that is where the XT Shines! And JohnnyXT, it could be a Computer Problem or any other part of the XT, it's a Brand New Model. You have full limited Warranty coverage for 3 years, and I don't think you can take your Money and run legally, it might be too late?
  • samiam_68samiam_68 Member Posts: 775
    Frank,

    How are you getting these high MPG numbers? Is your XT an MT or an AT? At what altitude do you live? What's the temperature outside? What speeds do you drive at? Are you pushing it hard? How many miles on the odometer? What brand/octane gas do you use? What's your tire pressure? A lot of questions...lol

    I'm averaging about 21. Highest ever was 23.0, lowest was 19.2 with about 7,000 miles on the car.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    How is that Custom Fan Accessory working for you? I cant believe it, in fact it's unbelievable!
  • johnnyxtjohnnyxt Member Posts: 15
    Miamixt, I have had the car two weeks. The lemon law in my state covers up to the first 12 months of vehicle ownership. If they admit they can't fix the car then it is considered a lemon. I then have the option of a replacement vehicle or money back. At this point I am really concerned about the transmission. Especially hearing other people's experiences. What stinks is that I have no clue on what kind of car I would get if they can't fix the transmission problem.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    I think first to qualify for the Lemon Law, you need to give them a chance, 3 Chances in most States once the Defect has been identified and attempted Repairs made. While I know you are upset, it is in SOA's best interest to fix your Car at this point. After all, there have been no known Service bulletins or Recalls on the XT to Date. I hope things work out for you!
  • johnnyxtjohnnyxt Member Posts: 15
    STU could you please give a contact at SOA? Ugggg. I'm just venting people. I Would hope SOA works with me on this issue. I really don't want the headache of trying to find another vehicle. It took me a long time to narrow my choice down to the XT.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I'm averaging about 21. Highest ever was 23.0, lowest was 19.2 with about 7,000 miles on the car.

    Each of your numbers is about 5% better than I'm getting. I have no doubt that Frank is accurately reporting his results, but I can say with certainty that they're unattainable on my XT.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Call 800-SUBARU3 and open a case if you haven't already. Patti doesn't usually get involved directly but keep us (and her) posted and she'll follow the progress of your case. It might take time so hang in there.

    Too much torque for the transmission? :o)

    Just kidding, I'm sure they'll sort it out. It is an entirely new transmission, a while back we asked Patti to look up what exactly they meant by "Direct Control" and she got a tech to list a bunch of new/changed components that make it up.

    I'm sure SoA is as eager as you to sort this out. Good luck.

    -juice
  • samiam_68samiam_68 Member Posts: 775
    The little fan works great, the temp inside the cabin stays level. I haven't touched a single button on the climate control in two weeks. Best $5 I ever spent.
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Why haven't Road and Track, Motortrend or Automobile Magazine done any evaluations of the XT? I would think that a category buster like this would attract more attention. I've always been disappointed by the fact that these magazines seem to spend a disproportionate amount of space to high end vehicles. I'm sorry, but frankly I'm bored to tears by $150,000 or $200,000 performance cars. So what? Show me something that will offer great performance for less than $30K. That's much more interesting. Are they pissed that Subaru is putting some very expensive cars to shame or something?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yes, it is absurd, even unethical, that Subaru offers a vehicle that reaches 50mph quicker than the Porsche Cayenne turbo for 1/3rd the price. This fact could upset the balance of power in the entire industry, so there is a huge conspiracy to cover up the fact that the XT even exists.

    How dare you, Subaru. ;-)

    -juice
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I wouldn't ever expect to see an XT road test in Road & Track; that magazine has always been more purely focused on sports cars, GTs, and peformance sedans than most of the others. I hope it stays that way. Car & Driver had the same focus several decades ago, and I frankly think their inclusion of pickup trucks and SUVs has completely wrecked what once was a decent publication. But what seems really strange is that Motor Trend has bypassed the XT completely, except for a short, worthless early first look that confused the marketplace with a totally bogus 0-60 time.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    C&D is just reflecting the reality of the market place. Trucks are now the majority of sales.

    C&D has the most circulation so no surprise they follow general market trends.

    -juice
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    the reality of the market place. Trucks are now the majority of sales.

    There are no words to adequately express how much I hate that rididulous fact.
  • john284john284 Member Posts: 71
    "There are no words to adequately express how much I hate that ridiculous fact."

    you go "ballistic".

    Cars are getting taller (SUVs), because everyone is prowling along on the roads, and they start to grow like trees in the forest....
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    next think you will be telling him to go postal
  • xtpremiumxtpremium Member Posts: 9
    I bought my XT 4 weeks ago and currently have 1500 miles on it. I was surprised to hear comments about the auto climate control. Mine will keep the fan on 3 or 4 for far too long. It gets hot in the car.I can't understand why it stays on in 20 degree weather for so long when I am only trying to get the interior to 75 at most. It annoying. However, the car is amazing in terms of handling, performance, and interior comforts. I traded an '01 Outback for the '04 Forester XT Premium package. Well worth all of the goodies the Outback did not have. Not to mention the performance going from OK to light speed.

    Other than that, no AT issues noticed, but do hear a "tick" in the engine at low RPM's. Anyone else hear it, or is the 2.5 Boxer engine sounding "normal"?? My Outback seemd to sound somewhat like that, but not quite as pronounced.

    Thanks.
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    My other post was deleted..so here goes without last names...

    I worked with Linda (and a little with Patti) at SoA. Linda knows my case very well.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Sam- I have an MT XT. 2,500 miles (still a baby). Altitude is less than 1k feet above sea level. Temp range lately has been lows near 30 and highs near 50. The last couple of tanks have probably been 80% hwy at an avg speed of 70 mph. I don&#146;t normally push it hard but do occasionally accelerate &#147;briskly&#148; away from traffic lights etc. 91 Octane from whomever&#146;s the cheapest. 33 psi all around.

    I would dearly love to swap cars with Jack for a week or so just to see if I could replicate my mpg avg but unfortunately he&#146;s 2,500 miles away ;-)

    -Frank P.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Try setting the auto climate control at 67 instead of 75. I find it does a much better job of keeping me comnfortable. I had the same problem you did when I had it at higher setting. It warms up just as fast, but doesn't get as hot.
  • johnnyxtjohnnyxt Member Posts: 15
    I really appreciate your help and guidance as well as sharing information about your problem. Called SOA yesterday to file a case. I should know today if they are going to need to replace the transmission. Service tech feels that the problem is hydraulic vs. a computer related issue which means a new transmission. Doesn&#146;t sit well with me especially since the car only has 500 miles on it.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I would dearly love to swap cars with Jack for a week or so just to see if I could replicate my mpg avg but unfortunately he&#146;s 2,500 miles away ;-)

    'Twould be an interesting experiment, for sure.

    We've had several multi-fatality crashes here lately, so da fuzz are cracking down on speeders. So, I've cut my cruise speed from 70 to 65. I'll be watching to see whether that made any difference at next fill-up.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    At least we have vehicles like the Forester and Outback as legit alternatives, JB.

    Fight the Power!

    Frank: just drive to JB's house, it'll only take about 3 gallons for you to get there. LOL

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Juice- Not a bad excuse for a road trip. Paisan could probably make it there and back in two days :-)

    -Frank P.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    If you guys plan to start showing up on my doorstep, at least phone ahead so I can put fresh sheets on the guest beds.
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    curious, what tire pressures do you run? I have been at 32 or 33 all the way around, it does seem to add one or two mpg to the XS.

    John
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I settled on 31psi all around. I'd like to use a bit more, but the winter-stud-roughened road surfaces here are already beating my XT to death even with only 31psi. I have high hopes that the dealer will be able to fix two or three of my worst rattles when I go in for my first warranty service next month; otherwise, I'll slowly go insane. The one in the passenger dash airbag area is terrible.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    HAL hasn't driven you insane already? ;-)

    -juice
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    aren't making a lot of sense to me. It isn't just the XT, but the X and XS models also show lots of variability.

    When you list the dozen plus factors involved, you would expect lots of variability. However, when you mind all your P's and Q's, you would expect to be on the high end, not the low end.

    John
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Agreed. Those who drive as I do ought to be at the high end of the range; those who bury their foot most of the time ought to be at the low end. That doesn't seem to reflect XT reality.

    Juice, HAL has no effect on me. I long ago decided to ignore the fact that the Forester comes with automatic climate control and to leave it in manual control mode.
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    John,
    I actually switched my wrx with a friend who consistently gets around 20mpg. My 25 mpg average wrx got around 25 mpg with my friend driving and I got slightly under 20 mpg driving his wrx. Now that's over 20% diff. Both cars are in great condition and both cars were driven under each driver's usual circumstances. The only fault with this experiment was that my wrx has a reflashed ecu., so we were comparing apples to polished apples (From what I have gathered the reflashed cars get about 0 to1 mpg better mileage) . It still surprised me with such a large variance.
  • jason_elsjason_els Member Posts: 57
    HAL doesn't bother me much except that it has a tendency to cook my right foot to the point I must turn down the heat as it gets extremely uncomfortable. I wish Subaru hadn't positioned the vent to blow directly on the acclerator.

    Getting the a/c off is a pain but it turns itself off after the car has warmed so it doesn't bother me.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I wish Subaru hadn't positioned the vent to blow directly on the acclerator.

    Not only that, but there doesn't seem to be any warm air directed at the left foot, so the temperature difference between the two feet can become large. One of these days I'm going to find a way to redirect part of the air toward my other foot.
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    Last time I tried a WOT test I said it upshifted around 5500 rpm. What I must have done is let lightly off the throttle (very lightly) which was enough to let it upshift. It does upshift at 6500 on the button if I keep it floored.

    The funny thing is, under a 0 mph to whatever speed at 6500 rpm, the engine is silky quiet - very smooth all the way up. Zero wastegate noise. If I tromp on it while I'm driving, i.e. for a quick pass, I definitely get the fluttering sound. Whatever it is, I'm not going to worry about it.

    I decided to stop complaining about the OEM Panasonic battery and buy a WalMart deluxe for 39.95. The dragging starter when below 20 degF is now history. Plenty of spin. Maybe not all the starters are created equal for current draw. Glad it was only that.

    For my XT-AT 75mph = 3000rpm on the dot. I finally got to use my cruise control for a delightfully long time last night and it is a joy to let take over. Rock solid on 75, needle never moved.

    My personal slant on the mpg variations is that there are so many sensors in todays vehicles that have lots to do with the mileage that variation is unavoidable, especially when tolerances can be +/-10 to 20 % and still be called acceptable.

    A car that has a set of sensors that all fall in the middle of the nominal range is probably going to get better mileage than one whose sensors are all over the place - Think of it this way - if my sensors are "worse" than someone else's by 10%, and that person gets 25mpg, its reasonable for me to get 22.5mpg. If they were "better" by 10%, then I'd be the happy guy getting 27.5mpg.

    That's probably an over-simplification, but there are quite a number of sensors in our Foresters, and they all interact, ultimately with fuel delivery.

    Larry
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